Page 45 of Love's Home Run

Ross and Melissa walked him to the door and said goodbye.

Ross turned to her. “I’ll say goodbye to my father, and we can return to the hotel. It’ll be an early start tomorrow if you want to get down south to do some sightseeing.”

“Okay, I’ll say goodbye too,” said Melissa.

She walked over and took hold of his father’s hand. “Goodbye, Mr. Roberts. I’m so happy I met you. I’ll do as you asked.”

“Thank you,” he said, patting their clasped hands and studying her with his blue eyes.

She felt the sting of tears and turned away as Ross took her place beside his father.

Wanting to give them privacy, she walked into the kitchen to thank Mrs. Barnard for her hospitality.

“Perhaps we’ll meet again,” said Mrs. Barnard. “I don’t like to say much, but though John has put on a positive front for you, he’s growing weaker every day.” She let out a sad sigh. “Such a decent man.”

“I know they’re grateful for your help. I’ll go outside to wait for Ross. I want him to take whatever time he needs with his father.”

She left the kitchen, went outside to the front entry, and sat on the narrow bench there.

Children were playing kickball on the quiet street, and Melissa could feel herself being taken back to Ross’s childhood.

She looked up as Lanie walked toward her.

“Hi,” Lanie said. “Is Ross inside?”

“Yes. He’s saying goodbye to his father,” Melissa said. “I’m giving him some privacy.”

Lanie studied her and twisted her hands. “So, are you and Ross a thing? I didn’t know he was dating again.”

“Ross and I are just friends, like we said,” Melissa said and stopped. She didn’t owe anyone an explanation. And besides, she was confused, especially after what his father had said. From the beginning, Ross had been very clear about his willingness to help her with Dirk, so she didn’t understand why people would think they were a couple.

“Hi, Lanie.” He turned to Melissa. “Ready to go?”

Melissa could see how upset Ross was and jumped to her feet. “Sure, let’s go. Nice to see you, Lanie.”

“Anything I can do?” Lanie asked Ross.

“There’s nothing anyone can do,” he replied softly. There was such sadness in his voice that a lump formed in Melissa’s throat.

She followed Ross and, without saying a word,climbed into the car feeling as helpless as she ever had.

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As Ross drove to the hotel, he stared straight ahead, visibly disturbed.

He pulled into the parking lot near their guest room’s entrance and turned off the engine, leaving silence behind.

Melissa reached out and touched Ross’s arm. “I’m sorry. Anything I can do for you?”

Ross leaned his brow against the steering wheel. “I offered to stay another night, but Dad said I should continue my trip to Florida. He likes you and thinks it’s great that we’re traveling together. Afteryou and Jack left the room, he seemed to collapse into himself, and I know the end is near.” Ross’s shoulders began shaking.

Melissa unbuckled her seatbelt and wrapped her arms around him.

He turned into her shoulder, careful to keep his face hidden.

Melissa rubbed his back in comforting circles and wished she could take away his pain. She’d seen how close Ross was to his father and knew his distress was real.

“I’m glad I got to meet your father,” she said. “He’s such a wonderful man, beloved by all his sons.”

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